NGC Releases Designations

NGC offers several special designations to recognize coins received for certification within a specified timeframe or at a particular event. These designations — such as Early Releases and First Releases, First Year of Issue and Show Releases — help capture the popularity of a new release and are paired with special NGC certification labels.

NGC Release Designations should not be confused with grade-modifying designations such as Ultra Cameo, Prooflike, Red Brown and others or the NGC Plus () and Star () Designations. See
Strike Characters
or NGC Grading Scale for more information about these designations.

Early Releases and First Releases

NGC offers the Early Releases and First Releases designations for select coins received by NGC or an NGC-approved depository within 30 days of the first release of a new coin issue. The terms Early Releases or First Releases will be noted as part of the coin description on the NGC label. Early Releases and First Releases are interchangeable and the same definition and relevant cutoff dates applies to each term.

To qualify for Early Releases or First Releases, a coin must generally be received by NGC or an NGC-approved depository within the first 30 days of the coin’s release. NGC maintains a list of Early Releases and First Releases cutoff dates for world coins on this website.

A coin's release date may be different from the date on the coin itself. For example, a mint may release a 2015-dated coin in 2016 or a 2018-dated coin in 2017. Eligibility for the Early Releases and First Releases designations is determined at NGC's sole discretion. NGC will disqualify coins from these designations if it cannot reasonably determine that coin's release date.

A submitter wishing to have a coin designated with the Early Releases or First Releases designation must note this request on the NGC submission form, and additional fees generally apply for the special label and designation verification.

In certain markets, NGC may offer bilingual Early Releases and First Releases labels. The same Early Releases and First Releases definition, cutoff dates and NGC Registry treatment will apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I submit coins for Early Releases or First Releases?

Coins may be submitted by selecting an appropriate NGC grading tier and the Special Label/Releases service option. Specify Early Releases or First Releases under Special Label/Releases. Eligible submitters may also submit coins for Early Releases or First Releases through NGC’s bulk submission services.

What are the cutoff dates for Early Releases and First Releases?

What is a release date and how does NGC determine the cutoff dates for Early Releases and First Releases?

NGC calculates the cutoff date for Early Releases and First Releases based on the “release date.” A release date is the day that a new coin issue is first released from a mint. In some cases, the mint posts an official release date; in others, the release date is the first day that a mint actually makes a new coin issue available. The release date is not always the same as the sale date since many mints offer coins for sale before they are released.

Some mints have different release dates for their domestic market and for the international market. In China, for example, coins are generally released domestically several weeks or more before they are released internationally. In these cases, NGC will generally post two cutoff dates on its website — one for submissions received in or from the coin’s country of origin, and one for submissions received in or from all other countries.

Do coins need to be accompanied by the original packaging or sealed in the Mint shipping box?

No, coins do not need to be accompanied by original packaging or be shipped in sealed mint boxes, but must arrive before the cutoff dates posted on the NGC website. However, for coins being designated Early Releases or First Releases based on being part of a particular set released by a mint, a different requirement may apply. (See further questions below.)

How many Early Releases and First Releases coins has NGC graded?

Early Releases and First Releases are listed separately in the NGC Census and appear when the variety icon beneath a non-designated issue is clicked.

Are Early Releases and First Releases coins eligible for inclusion in the NGC Registry?

Yes, Early Releases and First Releases coins are eligible for inclusion in the popular NGC Registry. Early Releases and First Releases coins receive the same point score as non-designated issues.

What coins are eligible for the Early Releases and First Releases designations?

Only certain coins and/or sets will be designated Early Releases or First Releases by NGC. View a list of eligible world coins and cutoff dates. See the following question for an explanation of NGC’s policy for coins released in various sets at different times.

For a detailed explanation of NGC's policy for coins released in various sets at different times, see the question "How does NGC assign the Early Releases and First Releases designations if the same coin is released in various sets at different times throughout the year?" below.

Certain Official Mint Medals are eligible for the Early Releases and First Releases designations. Privately issued medals are generally eligible for these designations only if the issuing mint has publicly identified a specific release date. For more details, see the question "Are medals eligible for the Early Releases and First Releases designations?" below.

Regular submissions of the following coins to NGC in the United States are not eligible for the First Releases designation: Mint State American Silver Eagles, Mint State American Gold Eagles, Mint State Chinese Silver Pandas and Mint State Chinese Gold Pandas. The First Releases designation may be made available for these coins to select bulk submitters only.

How does NGC assign the Early Releases and First Releases designations if the same coin is released in various sets at different times throughout the year?

World mints often release coins individually and in various sets at different times throughout the year. For example, a coin may be released individually and later released as part of a multiple coin set.

NGC will start the Early Releases/First Releases period when a coin is first released, whether released individually or in a set, and NGC will give such coin a standard description on the NGC certification label. Subsequent releases of that coin in different sets or packaging may, at NGC’s sole discretion, receive the Early Releases or First Releases designations with the set description, provided NGC can sufficiently determine that the coin was received by NGC within 30 days of that particular set’s release. This determination will generally require that coins be received in the sealed and postmarked shipping box from the mint. These subsequent releases will be listed separately in the NGC Census. Due to the additional verification required, NGC will generally assign the Early Releases or First Releases designations on subsequent releases only if these coins are submitted through NGC’s bulk submission program.

NGC maintains a list of Early Releases and First Releases cutoff dates for world coins on its website. If a coin is released in multiple sets or packaging, NGC will post cutoff dates for the specific set, if eligible for the Early Releases and First Releases designations. A notation will be made on the list of cutoff dates to indicate which sets are accepted only through NGC’s bulk submission program.

Are medals eligible for the Early Releases and First Releases designations?

Certain Official Mint Medals, defined as those issued by a mint authorized to strike coins and medals on behalf of a government, are eligible for the Early Releases and First Releases designations. Eligible Official Mint Medals and cutoff dates will be listed with US coins or world coins, as applicable.

Privately issued medals are generally eligible for these designations only if the issuing mint has publicly identified a specific release date. If eligible, these privately issued medals will be listed with eligible US coins and cutoff dates or eligible world coins and cutoff dates, as applicable.

First Day of Issue

NGC offers the First Day of Issue designation for select coins that are purchased within one day of the first day that a mint makes a new coin issue available for sale. In most cases, NGC will make the First Day of Issue designation available only to submitters of bulk quantities or at select trade shows. In cases where the First Day of Issue designation will be available instead to all submitters, an article with submission instructions and grading fees will be posted to the NGC website prior to a coin’s release. In all cases, the First Day of Issue designation is available only by special request and will require a higher grading fee.

To qualify for First Day of Issue, coins must be purchased within one day of the first day that a mint makes a new coin issue available for sale and must be received by NGC or an NGC-approved depository within one week of the release date. NGC will require that the submitter provide adequate evidence (including purchase receipts) to demonstrate the date when the coins were purchased.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a release date and how does NGC determine that coins qualify for First Day of Issue?

A release date is the day that a new coin issue is first released from a mint. In some cases, the mint posts an official release date; in others, the release date is the first day that a mint actually makes a new coin issue available. The release date is not always the same as the sale date since many mints offer coins for sale before they are released.

Mints may release a coin on different dates for online purchases from the mint’s website and in-person purchases at a mint location. NGC will generally consider online purchases and in-person purchases to each have a release date. In the event that these release dates are different, NGC will require proof of purchase from its submitters.

Some mints have different release dates for their domestic market and for their international market. In China, for example, coins are generally released domestically several weeks or more before they are released internationally. In these cases, NGC will generally consider there to be two release dates — one for submissions in or from the coin’s country of origin and one for submissions in or from all other countries.

How many First Day of Issue coins has NGC graded?

First Day of Issue is listed separately in the NGC Census and appears when the variety icon beneath a non-designated issue is clicked.

Are First Day of Issue coins eligible for inclusion in the NGC Registry?

Yes, First Day of Issue coins are eligible for inclusion in the popular NGC Registry. First Day of Issue coins receive the same point score as non-designated issues.

What coins are eligible for the First Day of Issue designation?

Only certain coins and/or sets will be designated First Day of Issue by NGC. This designation is generally offered only for bulk submissions or at select trade shows. When this designation is available for all submitters of a particular coin an article will be posted to the NGC website with submission instructions.

Certain Official Mint Medals and privately issued medals may be eligible for the First Day of Issue designation. Privately issued medals are generally eligible for this designation only if the issuing mint has publicly identified a specific release date. The same policies and procedures that apply to submissions of coins for the First Day of Issue designation also apply to medals. For more details, see the question "Are medals eligible for the First Day of Issue designation?" below.

Are medals eligible for the First Day of Issue designation?

Certain Official Mint Medals, defined as those issued by a mint authorized to strike coins and medals on behalf of a government, are eligible for the First Day of Issue designation. Privately issued medals are generally eligible for this designation only if the issuing mint has publicly identified a specific release date.

The First Day of Issue designation is generally offered only for bulk submissions or at select trade shows. When this designation is available to all submitters of a particular medal an article will be posted to the NGC website with submission instructions.

NGC offers the First Day of Production designation for select coins that are struck on the first day that the mint begins production of that coin. To qualify for First Day of Production, coins must be received by NGC or an NGC-approved depository accompanied by a copy of documentation from the mint that confirms that the coins were struck on the first day of that coin’s production.

The First Day of Production designation is made available only to submitters of bulk quantities of qualifying coins. An advance request is required and there is generally a higher grading fee for the special designation verification and attribution.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many First Day of Production coins has NGC graded?

First Day of Production is listed separately in the NGC Census and appears when the variety beneath a non-designated issue is clicked.

Are First Day of Production coins eligible for inclusion in the NGC Registry?

Yes, First Day of Production coins are eligible for inclusion in the popular NGC Registry. First Day of Production coins receive the same point score as non-designated issues.

What coins are eligible for the First Day of Production designation?

Only certain coins and/or sets will be designated First Day of Production by NGC. This designation is offered only to submitters of bulk quantities of qualifying coins. An advance request and prior authorization from NGC is required. To qualify for First Day of Production, coins must be received by NGC or an NGC-approved depository accompanied by a copy of documentation from the mint that confirms that the coins were struck on the first day of that coin’s production.

Show Releases

NGC may occasionally offer a Show Releases designation for select coins purchased from a mint’s booth at a trade show and then submitted to NGC at the same trade show. This designation is generally reserved for coins with a release date that coincides with the trade show or a release date shortly before the start of the trade show.

The designation will typically state the name of the trade show followed by Show Releases or a variation that reflects the coin’s type and release date. Past designations have included ANA Inaugural Releases (for Clad and Gold 50th Anniversary Kennedy coins sold by the US Mint at the August 2014 ANA show), Opening Day Releases (for Baseball Hall of Fame commemorative coins sold by the US Mint at the March 2014 Baltimore show) and FUN Show Releases (for 2015-W Proof Silver Eagles sold at the January 2015 FUN show). For a complete list, click here.

If NGC will offer a special designation at a trade show, NGC will post an article on its website that lists the eligible coin(s), the designation offered and any special submission instructions. The mint’s sales receipt must accompany coins that are submitted for a Show Releases designation.

Coins with a Show Releases designation will be listed separately in the NGC Census and appear when the variety icon beneath a non-designated issue is clicked.

Alternatively, NGC may list the name of a trade show without the term “Releases” for coins that do not qualify for the “Show Releases” designation. This notation (sometimes called a “pedigree”) is used to commemorate the show and does not necessarily mean that the coins were purchased at the show. For example, the notation may be used for samples that will be given away at the show or for coins that will be sold by a dealer at the show. This notation is generally used only for select bulk submissions. In the NGC Census it is grouped with the non-designated issues and not listed separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does NGC offer a Show Releases designation for world coins?

NGC will from time to time offer a “Show Releases” designation for world coins that have a release date that coincides with the trade show or a release date shortly before the start of the trade show.

NGC may note the name of a particular trade show on the NGC certification label (without the term “Releases”) but, unlike US coins, this notation does not necessarily indicate that these coins were sold at that trade show.

How many Show Releases coins has NGC graded?

Coins with Show Releases designations are listed separately in the NGC Census and appear when the variety icon beneath a non-designated issue is clicked. Coins with show pedigrees (e.g. coins labeled with the name of the show but not the term “Releases”) are not listed separately in the NGC Census and are grouped together with non-designated issues.

Are Show Releases coins eligible for inclusion in the NGC Registry?

Yes, Show Releases coins are eligible for inclusion in the popular NGC Registry. Show Releases coins receive the same point score as non-designated issues.

Numbered “First Struck” Editions

NGC will designate coins that are verified to be among the first struck by a mint. These coins must be accompanied by a copy of official mint documentation that identifies that this group of coins was the first struck. The NGC certification label will indicate that the encapsulated coin is one of the first struck by the mint and state the total size of the “first struck” edition (e.g. One of First 1000 Struck or One of First 50,000 Struck). This designation is available only for select bulk submissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Numbered First Struck Editions listed in the NGC Census?

NGC may list Numbered First Struck Editions separately in the NGC Census when the variety icon beneath the non-designated issue is clicked or it may group Numbered First Struck Editions into the population for the non-designation issue.

Are Numbered First Struck Editions eligible for inclusion in the NGC Registry?

Yes, Numbered First Struck Editions are eligible for inclusion in the popular NGC Registry. Numbered First Struck Editions receive the same point score as non-designated issues.

Are medals eligible for Numbered First Struck Editions?

Only Official Mint Medals, defined as those issued by a mint authorized to strike coins and medals on behalf of a government, that are received with a copy of the appropriate documentation are eligible for a Numbered First Struck Edition designation. Privately issued medals will not be attributed as Numbered First Struck editions.

Individually Numbered Strikes

NGC will designate select coins in the order in which they were struck by a mint. The minting must be witnessed and documented by an authorized representative of NGC or the coins must be accompanied by a copy of official mint documentation that individually identifies the order in which the coins were struck. The NGC certification label will indicate this order (e.g. “First Coin Struck,” “Second Coin Struck,” etc.). This designation is generally made available only to submitters of bulk quantities of qualifying coins. An advance request is required and there is generally a higher grading fee for the special designation verification and attribution.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Individually Numbered Strikes has NGC graded?

Individually Numbered Strikes are grouped into the population for the non-designated issue in the NGC Census.

Are Individually Numbered Strikes eligible for inclusion in the NGC Registry?

Yes, Individually Numbered Strikes are eligible for inclusion in the popular NGC Registry. Individually Numbered Strikes receive the same point score as non-designated issues.

What coins are eligible for Individual Numbered Strikes designations?

Only certain coins are eligible for an Individually Numbered Strikes designation from NGC. This designation is generally offered only to submitters of bulk quantities of qualifying coins. An advance request and prior authorization from NGC is required. To qualify for Individual Numbered Strikes designations, the minting must be witnessed and documented by an authorized representative of NGC or the coins must be accompanied by a copy of official mint documentation that individually identifies the order in which the coins were struck.

First Year of Issue

NGC offers a special "First Year of Issue" label for use with many US and world coins. A first year of issue is the coin from the first dated year of a new coin type. For example, the American Gold Eagle was first issued in 1986; all American Gold Eagles dated 1986 are eligible for encapsulation with this special label. (Note: The First Year of Issue designation and label is not available for coins of the same series but struck in new sizes or formats after the original introduction of the coin type.) The First Year of Issue label is green or red with the words FIRST YEAR OF ISSUE at the bottom. Additional certification fees apply, and no supplementary documentation or packing is required when submitting coins for this designation.